Ministry of Islamic Affairs has revealed the visas released previously have been cancelled by the government of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the Umrah pilgrimage for Saudi citizens and foreigners. Saudi Arabia took an unprecedented step in banning foreign pilgrims from entering the country on February 27.
The decision was taken in line with the recommendation of the committee concerned with the developments of the situation of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, in the Kingdom, according to a statement from the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi interior ministry attributed the preventive measures to the keenness of the Saudi Arabian government to support global efforts, especially by international organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) to stop the spread of the virus.
The Saudi government said following the preventive measures imposed, visas released for foreign countries previously have now been cancelled. Following the decision, the government of Maldives revealed travel agencies have been informed of the latest developments.
The Maldivian Islamic ministry said the priority is to ensure the safety and health of the pilgrims, adding the administration completely accepts the decision of the Saudi government. The administration also urged Maldivian citizens to respect the decision and stay patient.